EP1499080B1 - Auswahl und Aufbau einer Datenstromverbindung durch ein Zwischengerät - Google Patents

Auswahl und Aufbau einer Datenstromverbindung durch ein Zwischengerät Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1499080B1
EP1499080B1 EP04364050A EP04364050A EP1499080B1 EP 1499080 B1 EP1499080 B1 EP 1499080B1 EP 04364050 A EP04364050 A EP 04364050A EP 04364050 A EP04364050 A EP 04364050A EP 1499080 B1 EP1499080 B1 EP 1499080B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stream
intermediary device
network
source
connection
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EP04364050A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1499080A1 (de
Inventor
Stéphane Bizet
Laurent Frouin
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L12/40052—High-speed IEEE 1394 serial bus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L12/40052—High-speed IEEE 1394 serial bus
    • H04L12/40117—Interconnection of audio or video/imaging devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/64—Hybrid switching systems
    • H04L12/6418—Hybrid transport
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/10—Flow control; Congestion control
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/10—Flow control; Congestion control
    • H04L47/26—Flow control; Congestion control using explicit feedback to the source, e.g. choke packets
    • H04L47/266—Stopping or restarting the source, e.g. X-on or X-off
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/10—Flow control; Congestion control
    • H04L47/40—Flow control; Congestion control using split connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L47/00—Traffic control in data switching networks
    • H04L47/10—Flow control; Congestion control
    • H04L47/43—Assembling or disassembling of packets, e.g. segmentation and reassembly [SAR]

Definitions

  • the field of the invention is that of communications networks enabling the interconnection of a plurality of apparatuses and especially, but not exclusively, home audiovisual networks used to interconnect analog and/or digital type audio and/or video devices so that they may exchange audiovisual signals.
  • the above-mentioned apparatuses belong for example to the following list (which is not exhaustive): television receivers (using satellite, RF channels, cable, xDSL and other means), television sets, video-cassette recorders, scanners, digital video cameras, digital cameras, DVD readers, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), printers, etc.
  • the network comprises, for example, a backbone,network, for example a switched network or one or more digital buses of the IEEE 1394 type to which there are connected, through devices called "nodes", a plurality of sub-networks (for example digital buses of the IEEE 1394 type).
  • the apparatuses (terminals) are connected to the sub-networks, by direct connection for the digital devices or by connection through an analog/digital converter for the analog devices.
  • IEEE 1394 Standard for High Performance Serial Bus
  • IEEE Std 1394a-2000 Standard for High Performance Serial Bus (Supplement)
  • the interconnection of digital buses by bridges is furthermore defined in the "IEEE P1394.1 Draft Standard for High Performance Serial Bus Bridges (Draft 1.04 October 24, 2002)”.
  • the invention relates to a method for setting up a data stream connection between a source terminal and a destination terminal, within a communications net.
  • the invention also relates to a method for the selection and setting up of a connection of a data stream from amongst a plurality of a data streams originating in a plurality of source terminals.
  • Certain terminals may be of both types (source and destination) at once.
  • the user of a destination terminal asks that a data stream connection should be set up between this destination terminal and a source terminal.
  • source node refers to a node whose associated sub-network is connected to at least one source terminal.
  • destination node refers to a node whose associated sub-network is connected to at least one destination terminal. It is clear that, in practice, one and the same node can behave like a source node for a first stream and a destination node for a second stream. It must be noted that a source node can integrate a source terminal and that a destination note can integrate a destination terminal.
  • a data stream connection between a destination terminal and a source terminal is set up via a source node and a destination node, and according to a particular protocol (for example a protocol compliant with the above-mentioned IEEE P1394.1 standard).
  • the current technique for setting up a stream connection between a destination terminal and a source terminal is not optimal. Indeed, if this connection proves to be impossible, for example because the destination node no longer has the necessary resources available for connection to the destination terminal, then a complete new procedure for setting up a connection has to be performed. This results in a loss of time for the user.
  • the current technique for selecting a stream from amongst a plurality of streams, and for setting up a connection for the selected stream is not optimal either.
  • this technique enables the user of a destination terminal to browse from one stream to another amongst the different data streams available within the network.
  • connections are set up successively between a same destination terminal and different source terminals.
  • the user makes use, for example, of a remote controller with which he sends browsing/selection commands to a node (typically the destination node) capable of setting up the successive connections requested.
  • this technique has the same major drawback as the present-day technique of setting up a stream connection on which it relies. Indeed; a new full procedure for setting up a connection must be made for each of the successive connections requested. Here again, this means a loss of time for the user when he wishes to scan the available data streams (namely the active source terminals) on the network.
  • European Patent Application EP 0 933 900 A2 relates to IEEE1394 bridging, for either asynchronous or isochronous transactions. It doesn't exactly match IEEE 1394.1 standard but main thought is very close to. In that sense, NEC document is describing some means that are used in the embodiment of the present invention (IEEE 1394.1 related). Oppositely to IEEE 1394.1 standard where stream connections are managed by bridge portals en route from a source to a destination, NEC patent discloses a method where stream connections are managed by terminal devices. NEC document describes embodiments where the stream connections are fully established. No partial stream connections are described.
  • PCT Application WO 01/47240 A2 deals with bandwidth adjustment for an isochronous data transfer across IEEE1394.1 type of bridges. It illustrates an isochronous stream connection setup between a source and a destination. It adds a description of overlaying a connection when a new destination (as known as listener) is being added to an already established stream. In that case, it only remains to create a stream connection between the destination and the last bridge en route from the source to the destination that is also part of the initial connection (i.e. with the other destination, already receiving the stream). However it means that the stream is already going through the said bridge.
  • This document fails in teaching the setting up a partial connection, in the sense that an intermediary device between the source and the destination doesn't let through the stream to the destination device until a predetermined event is received.
  • one of the goals of the present invention is to provide a method for setting up a stream connection by which the user's waiting time can be restricted especially when the connection proves to be impossible at the first attempt.
  • the general principle of this first method according to the invention therefore consists in setting up not a full connection directly (as is done in the prior art) but first of all a partial connection and then, if a first event occurs, a full connection.
  • the partial connection is set up not between the source terminal and the intermediary device, but between the source terminal and the destination terminal (as in the case of the full connection).
  • the partial connection and the full connection are distinguished from each other solely in that, for the former (namely the partial) connection, the intermediary device does not let through the stream going toward the destination terminal whereas, for the latter connection (the full connection), it lets the stream through.
  • the first predetermined event is the reception by the intermediary device of a command, the transmission of which results from the use of command transmission means.
  • the command transmission means are used by a user or, automatically, by any unspecified piece of equipment.
  • This first embodiment can be applied especially in the second method according to the invention described here below, for the selection of the stream from amongst a plurality of streams, and for setting up a connection for the selected stream.
  • the commands, whose reception constitutes the first predetermined event, are in this case commands for the selection of a stream from amongst a plurality of streams available on the network.
  • the user may request the transmission of a command for the selection of streams either deliberately (for example by pressing a "plus” key of a remote controller to go from a current stream to a next stream) or involuntarily (for example by pressing a "plus” key of a remote controller to go from a program conveyed by a current stream to a program conveyed by a next stream).
  • the first predetermined event is the release of sufficient resources in the intermediary device.
  • the method furthermore comprises a step for the release of the partial connection at the occurrence of a second predetermined event.
  • the second predetermined event belongs to the group comprising:
  • the network comprises a backbone network to which the following are connected: each through a source node ("multimedia interface device”), one or more sub-networks to which the source terminals are connected; through a destination node (“multimedia interface device”), the sub-network to which the destination terminal is connected.
  • the intermediary device is indistinguishable from one of the nodes.
  • the intermediary device is indistinguishable from the destination node.
  • the invention also relates to a method for the selection and setting up of a connection of a data stream from amongst a plurality of data streams originating in a plurality of source terminals, a destination terminal and the source terminals being connected to a communications network.
  • This method comprises the following steps:
  • the general principle of the second method according to the invention therefore consists in anticipating the user's decisions in setting up one or more partial connections that the user is likely to wish to view after the display of the current stream.
  • the notions of partial connection and full connection have already been discussed here above, with reference to the first method according to the invention (on which the second method according to the invention is based).
  • the subset of selectable streams comprises:
  • the network comprises a backbone network to which the following are connected: each through a source node ("multimedia interface device”), one or more sub-networks to which the source terminals are connected; through a destination node (“multimedia interface device”), the sub-network to which the destination terminal is connected.
  • the intermediary device is indistinguishable from one of the nodes.
  • the intermediary device is indistinguishable from the destination node.
  • the preceding stream originates from a first source terminal which, firstly, is connected to the same sub-network as the source terminal generating the current stream and, secondly, precedes the source terminal generating the current stream according to a determined stream classification proper to said sub-network.
  • the next stream originates from a second source terminal which, firstly, is connected to the same sub-network as the source terminal generating the current stream and, secondly, follows the source terminal generating the current stream according to the determined stream classification proper to said sub-network.
  • the preceding stream originates from said first source terminal if it exists and, if not, from a source terminal which, firstly, is connected to a preceding sub-network that precedes the sub-network to which the source terminal generating the current stream is connected according to a determined classification of sub-networks proper to said preceding sub-network and secondly is the last stream according to a determined stream classification proper to said preceding sub-network.
  • next stream originates from said second source terminal if it exists and, if not, from a source terminal which, firstly, is connected to a next sub-network that follows the sub-network to which the source terminal generating the current stream is connected according to a determined classification of sub-networks and, secondly, is the first stream according to a determined stream classification proper to said preceding sub-network.
  • the subset of selectable streams furthermore comprises:
  • the method furthermore comprises a step for the validation of the selected stream, after a full connection of said selected stream has been made.
  • the step for the validation of the selected stream is activated by an event belonging to the group comprising:
  • said method furthermore comprises a step for the release of at least one partial connection, performed:
  • the setting up of a partial connection of said selectable stream comprises the following steps:
  • said request defines at least the following two criteria of choice:
  • the stream identifier may take either a value that is valid or a value that is not valid
  • the release of said partial connection comprises the following steps:
  • the invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for the execution of the steps of the above-mentioned method, when said program is executed on a computer.
  • the invention also relates to an intermediary device used in the implementation of the method for setting up a data stream connection between a source terminal and a destination terminal connected to a communications network.
  • This intermediary device comprises:
  • the invention also relates to an intermediary device used in the implementation of a method for the selection and setting up of the connection of a data stream from amongst a plurality of data streams originating in a plurality of source terminals, a destination terminal and the source terminals being connected to a communications network, a full connection of a stream, called the current stream being set up between one of the source terminals and the destination terminal, through the intermediary device.
  • This intermediary device comprises:
  • Figure 1 shows a multimedia communications network in which it is possible to implement the method according to the invention for the selection of the stream from a plurality of streams, and for setting up a connection for the selected stream.
  • This network is installed for example in a home environment.
  • the network interconnects devices such as television sets referenced 107a, 107b, 107c and 107d, a DVD TypeReader referenced 109, a video-cassette recorder referenced 112, computer type equipment referenced 110 and 114, as well as a digital camcorder referenced 111.
  • devices such as television sets referenced 107a, 107b, 107c and 107d, a DVD TypeReader referenced 109, a video-cassette recorder referenced 112, computer type equipment referenced 110 and 114, as well as a digital camcorder referenced 111.
  • This network has multimedia interface devices referenced 103a, 103b, 103c and 103d (also called nodes hereinafter in the description).
  • the multimedia interface devices referenced 103a, 103b, 103c are full example built into the partition walls 102a, 102b and 102c of the rooms of the dwelling.
  • the multimedia interface device referenced 130d is not built into the partition wall but is connected through a link 116 to the connector referenced 115.
  • These multimedia interface devices are connected to a central switching unit 100 preferably placed beside the electrical power supply panel through links referenced 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d and 116.
  • These links are, for example, of the UTP5 ("Unshielded Twisted Pair, category 5) type as specified in the ANSI/TIA/EIA/568A standard) classically used in Ethernet type networks, and the connector referenced 115 is of the RJ45 type. It must be noted that other types of links could be used, such as optic fiber links or IEEE 1355 compliant cables.
  • Each of the multimedia interface devices comprises at least connection means of the Ethernet or IEEE1394 type and an analog video output. All the information obtained by the connection means will be distributed to other remote multimedia interface devices through the central switching unit and links connecting this unit to the different multimedia interface devices.
  • the multimedia interface device is referenced 103a, 103b, 103c and 103d
  • the links referenced 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d and 116 and the central switching unit 100 together form a backbone network, also called a "home network backbone” here below in the description.
  • the television set 107a is connected by means of an analog video link 104a to the multimedia interface device 103a.
  • the link 104a may be compliant with the IEEE 1394 standard and the television set then comprises an IEEE 1394 board.
  • the television sets 107b, 107c and 107d are respectively connected to the multimedia interface devices 130b, 103c and 103d by means of video/analog links 104b, 104c and 104d.
  • the DVD reader referenced 109 is connected by means of an analog link 106a to an analog-digital converter referenced 108a.
  • This converter is itself connected by an IEEE 1394 compliant digital link 105a to the multimedia interface device 103a.
  • This converter converts the video/analog information generated by the DVD reader into a format compatible with the IEEE 1394 standard.
  • the computer 110, the camcorder 111 and the analog-digital converter 108b are connected to one another and with the multimedia interface apparatus 103b by means of an IEEE 1394 compliant digital link 105b.
  • the analog-digital converter 108b is itself connected to the analog video-cassette recorder 112 by means of the link 106b.
  • the computer referenced 114 is connected by means of an Ethernet type link referenced 113 to the multimedia interface device 103c.
  • an audio/video interface module 205 possesses a plurality of connection means by which signals of different kinds will be processed. The data coming from these connection means will be mixed together so as to form only one data stream compliant with a given protocol that is forwarded by means of the Y-Link interface 204 on the single medium which, in this case, is a CAT5 cable.
  • This audio/video interface 205 will also manage the quality of service constraints associated with its different signals.
  • the audio/video interface comprises a microcontroller 338 that will transfer data on the bus 320 to RAM (Random Access Memory) type storage means 306, more particularly when the data comes for example from the link 101a.
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the microcontroller 338 When the multimedia interface device is powered on, the microcontroller 338 will load the program contained in the Flash Memory 305 in the RAM 306 and execute the code associated with this program.
  • the microcontroller 338 will transfer the information coming from the different connection means to a transmission queue referenced 301. This information will be transferred to the transmission queue of 301 in accordance with the quality of service required for the conveyance of this information.
  • the IEEE 1394 type networks enable the exchange of isochronous or asynchronous type data.
  • the data, in this case of the isochronous type, is governed by transmission bit rate imperatives while asynchronous type data can be transmitted without transmission bit rate imperatives.
  • the microcontroller 338 has a 100baseT type Ethernet interface 316 connected to it, enabling the connection of a cable like the one referenced 113.
  • a character generator or "on-screen display” unit 317 is also connected to the microcontroller 338. This character generator 317 will enable the insertion of information into the video signal transmitted on the link 105a for example.
  • An infrared transmission and reception module 318 is also connected to the microcontroller 338. Through this infrared module 318, infrared command signals coming from a remote controller will be retransmitted by means of the microcontroller 338 to the different devices connected to the network. This transfer of infrared commands is described in the French patent application number FR 0110367 .
  • the infrared module is preferably a one-way module.
  • the microcontroller 338 will also manage the configuration of the transmission parameters associated with each transmission queue, these parameters being stored in the segmentation and re-assembly module 303.
  • the segmentation and re-assembly module 303 guarantees the minimum transmission bit rate necessary for the isochronous type data stream on the basis of the transmission parameters.
  • the segmentation and re-assembly module 303 ensures a maximum bit rate for the asynchronous type data stream on the basis of the transmission parameters.
  • the transmission parameters associated with each buffer are computed by the microcontroller:
  • another encoder 350 and another analog/digital converter 351 are planned. Their role is directly deduced from the elements referenced 353 and 355 described here above.
  • the data will come from a device connected to an IEEE 1394 link such as, for example, the link 105a
  • two types of processing will be performed depending on the nature of the data. If this data is asynchronous type data, it will travel through the bus interface 304 and be stored in the memory 306.
  • the microcontroller 338 transfers this data to a transmission queue 301 (of the "message mode buffer” type). If it is isochronous type data, the data will travel directly to a "stream mode buffer” type of transmission queue 301.
  • the microcontroller 338 will also use the bus interface 304 to manage the distribution of the data received by means of the Y link 204 and stored in the reception queue 302.
  • the microcontroller 338 will activate the transfer of the data either towards the controller of the IEEE 1394 link referenced 310, if this data is intended for at least one of the terminals connected to the bus 105a for example, or towards the bridge controller 308, if it is intended for a terminal connected to the link 104a for example.
  • the microcontroller 338 will activate the transfer of the data to the RAM 306 through the bus interface 304.
  • the Ethernet type asynchronous data will then be sent to the interface 316.
  • the IEEE 1394 type asynchronous data will then be sent to the interface referenced 311.
  • the microcontroller 338 will activate the transfer of this data to the digital audio/video interface 309 by means of the bridge controller 308.
  • This MPEG2 or DV type data will then be decoded by the decoder 312 and finally forwarded to the digital/analog converter 340, which enables the transfer of the information into analog form, for example, to the television set 107a by means of the link 104a.
  • another decoder 353 and another digital/analog converter 354 are planned. Their role is directly deduced from the elements referenced 312 and 340 described here above.
  • the segmentation and re-assembly module 303 controls the transmission of the data in packet form from the transmission queues to the Y link interface 204.
  • Each packet has a routing header as well as a packet type header (of the "message” or “stream” type depending on the transmission queue).
  • the information on routing and type of packet are configured by the microcontroller 338.
  • segmentation and re-assembly module 303 controls the reception of the packets from the Y link interface 204 in order to store the data as a function of the type of packet in the appropriate reception queue, which is either of the "message mode buffer” type or of the "stream mode buffer” type.
  • FIG 3a a description is given of a remote controller 400 used within the home network of figure 1 , in relation with a multimedia interface device (destination node), constituting an intermediary device according to the mention.
  • the remote controller 400 comprises means (not shown) for sending infrared (IR) signals, as well as different keys and especially:
  • Figure 3b is a view in perspective of the front face of the multimedia interface device (node) seen in figure 1 (for example the one referenced 103a).
  • This multimedia interface device gives connectivity (IEEE 1394 ports, Ethernet, analog RCA connectors, etc.) to connect AV and PC equipment to the home network. It also contains the window for the reception of infrared (IR) signals 412 for the use of the remote controller described here below with reference to figure 3a .
  • IR infrared
  • this multimedia interface device furthermore comprises a set of buttons to enable direct zapping using the front face of the multimedia interface device instead of through a remote controller.
  • the buttons referenced 408, 409, 410 and 411 execute the same commands as the remote control keys referenced 402, 404, 406 and 407 respectively in figure 3a .
  • the hardware modules that manage the setting of the buttons 408, 409, 410 and 411 of the multimedia interface device are not shown in figure 2 in order to simplify the schematic representation of this multimedia interface device.
  • Figure 4 is made up of figures 4a and 4b . It represents the algorithm for setting up a stream connection according to the invention, executed by a multimedia interface device (source node) to which a source terminal is connected.
  • a multimedia interface device source node
  • FIG. 1 An example shall now be taken of a conventional situation, in using the home network described in figure 1 .
  • the user makes use of the television set 107d connected to the multimedia interface device 103d and sends commands to the multimedia interface device 103d using the remote controller 400.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d and the television set 107d have been activated, an AV stream is displayed on the television set 107d, as described in the figure 8 , unless no AV source is available within the home network.
  • a user interface and menu may be automatically presented on the television set by means of the OSD (on-screen display) module 317.
  • OSD on-screen display
  • the remote controller 400 When the user wishes to view an AV source with the television set 107d, he uses the remote controller 400 to browse within a network management menu ("MENU" key) displayed on the television set or, if no menu is displayed on the television set, he uses his remote controller 400 to scan all the AV sources connected to the home network.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d interprets the commands sent by the user and makes one or more stream connections.
  • the procedure for setting up a stream connection requires a communications protocol between the multimedia interface device 103d and the other multimedia interface devices of the network 103a, 103b and 103c.
  • the messages used are described here below with reference to figures 5a, 5b and 5c .
  • Figure 4 describes the algorithm executed by the multimedia interface devices 103a, 103b and 103c when they participate in the procedure for setting up a stream connection with the multimedia interface device 103d.
  • this multimedia interface device In order that the user may see a set of audio/video contents generated by a source terminal connected to the multimedia interface device 103b (source node), this multimedia interface device must receive a message I_REQ (a request for isochronous connection) at the step 502 coming from the multimedia interface device 103d which asks for a connection.
  • the multimedia interface device 103b analyses the message I_REQ received to ascertain that it contains a valid stream identifier.
  • a non-valid stream identifier is a predetermined number that specifies no stream.
  • the stream identifier is defined as a combination of the EUI64 identifier of the source terminal and the index of the OPCR (output plug control register as defined under the IEC 61883 standards) used by the source terminal to forward the stream.
  • a EUI64 identifier that is never assigned is therefore sufficient to define a non-valid stream identifier.
  • I_ACK acknowledgement of reception of isochronous connection
  • the multimedia interface device 103b selects the stream concerned and, at the step 514, it ascertains that there are sufficient resources available to set up the connection (namely, resources of the network, internal resources of the multimedia interface device 103b (bridge) and resources of the local bus). If there are no sufficient resources, the multimedia interface device 103b (source node) sends a message I_ACK back to the multimedia interface device 103d (destination node and intermediary device) indicating the lack of resources (step 517).
  • step 515 If not, it sets up a connection on the home network from its local bus toward the multimedia interface device 103d (step 515), sends the multimedia interface device 103d a message I_ACK indicating that the connection request has been made (step 516) and configures its transmission mechanisms to launch the transfer of the stream (step 518).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d requests that a connection should be set up for the available stream following the one identified by the stream identifier of the message I_REQ. It is up to the multimedia interface device 103b to implement the stream classification method (see discussion here below). The multimedia interface device 103b then verifies (step 510) that such a stream is available in its list of streams of the local bus. If there are no longer any stream available, then, at the step 513, it sends a message I_ACK back to the multimedia interface device 103d, indicating that the requested stream connection cannot be set up. If not, it selects the next available stream (step 511) and verifies the availability of the resources (step 514).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d requests that a connection should be set up for the available stream preceding the one identified by the stream identifier of the message I_REQ.
  • the multimedia interface device 103b then ascertains (in the step 509) that a stream of this kind is available in its list of streams of the local bus. If there no longer remains any stream available, then at the step 513, it sends a message I_ACK back to the multimedia interface device 103d, indicating that the requested stream connection cannot be set up. If not, it selects the preceding available stream (step 512) and verifies the availability of the resources (step 514).
  • step 522 If no stream is available, at the step 522, it indicates the situation in the message I_ACK sent back to the multimedia interface device 103d. If a stream is available on its local bus, it selects (step 524) the first element in the list of the available streams if the value DIR corresponds to "+” (affirmative response at the step 523). If not (namely if the value DIR corresponds to "- "), it selects the last element of the list of available streams (step 525). The algorithm then goes to the step 514 to verify the resources, as already described here above.
  • the multimedia interface device 103b sends a message I_ACK indicating that the connection request has been carried out (ACK_OK), the field STR_ID contained in this message contains the identifier of the streams set up.
  • the multimedia interface device may manage a list of sources as a function of their EUI64 identifier (a 64-bit word providing a unique identification of a device recorded in the configuration ROM for IEEE 1394 devices), in the chronological order of their connection to the local bus of the multimedia interface device, as a function of the isochronous channel that they use on the local bus to forward the AV streams, etc.
  • the solutions selected are ones that have no impact on such a classification when a bus reset takes place on the local bus of the multimedia interface device.
  • Such solutions are preferably selected in order to maintain consistency at the level of the remote user (who cannot know what is happening in a room other than the one in which he is located).
  • Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show the messages used for the stream connection procedures.
  • Figure 5a shows the message I_REQ, used to request a stream connection.
  • Figure 5c shows the message I_REL, used to request the release of a stream connection.
  • Figure 5b shows the message I_ACK, used to acknowledge reception of a message I_REQ or I_REL.
  • the packet header field 600 contains information on the routing from the multimedia interface device that sends the message up to the one that receives it, as well as information on the identification of the sender multimedia interface device and on the communications channel used.
  • the field LBL 601 is a labeling means.
  • a message I_ACK in response to a message I_REQ or I_REL must have a field LBL identical to the field LBL of the message I_REQ or I_REL referred to. This field is used to retrieve the I_REQ/I_REL concerned by a received I_ACK.
  • the message field 602 may be set at the value I_REQ, I_REL or I_ACK. This field specifies the type of message: I_REQ is used to request the setting up of a stream connection; I_ACK is used to acknowledge reception of a request for setting up or releasing a stream connection; I_REL is used to request the release of the stream connection.
  • the fields STR_ID 604, 608 and 609 specify the stream identifier, namely the value that identifies a stream uniquely in a home network.
  • An exemplary construction of a stream identifier as a function of the combination of the EUI64 identifier of the source terminal and the index of its OPCR used to send the AV stream on the local bus of the source terminal is defined in the preliminary draft standard P1394.1 "High-performance serial bus bridges" D1.04 dated 24 Oct 2002.
  • the field STR_ID can also be set at a non-valid stream identifier value, namely a predetermined value used to set this field STR_ID as being undefined.
  • the field STR_ID 604 is significant as a function of the field DIR 603.
  • the field STR_ID indicates the identifier of the stream to be propagated on the home network backbone. If it is set at the predetermined value of a non-valid stream identifier, the message_REQ has not been properly built by the sender of the message and a message I_ACK indicating the result ACK_KO must be sent back to the sender of I_REQ by the receiver of I_REQ, as described in figure 4 .
  • the field STR_ID indicates the identifier of the stream just before the stream to be propagated on the home network backbone in the list of the available streams managed by the receiver I_REQ.
  • the field STR_ID can also be set at a predetermined value of a non-valid stream identifier. In this case, the receiver of the message I_REQ must process the connection configuration for the first source in its list of available sources on its local bus.
  • the field STR_ID indicates the identifier of the stream just after the stream to be propagated on the home network backbone in the list of available streams managed by the receiver of I_REQ.
  • the field STR_ID can also be set at the predetermined non-valid stream identifier value. In this case, the receiver of the message I_REQ must process the configuration of the connection for the last source in its list of sources available at its local bus.
  • the field STR_ID 608 contains the identifier of the stream that has been set up following a stream set-up request I_REQ.
  • the field EOP 605 indicates the end of the packet or of the message.
  • the field ACK_VAL 606 indicates the results of the request referred to by the message I_ACK. This field may be set at ACK_OK, ACK_KO, ACK_NO_STREAM or ACK_NO_RESOURCE.
  • the result ACK_OK is indicated in a message I_ACK, the request to which it refers has been successfully executed.
  • the result ACK_NO_RESOURCE is indicated in an I_ACK message, the request to which it refers has not been executed for lack of resources.
  • the result ACK_NO_STREAM is indicated in a message I_ACK, the request to which it refers has not been executed for lack of stream availability.
  • the result ACK_KO is indicated in a message I_ACK, the request that it refers to has not been executed for a reason other than lack of resources or lack of stream availability.
  • the field DVT 607 indicates the type of stream for which the setting up of a connection (or possibly the release of a connection) is the subject of an acknowledgement of reception with the message I_ACK. This field has no significance if the value of the field ACK_VAL is different from ACK_OK.
  • such a field DVT may be present in the field I_REQ for a variant of the invention in which the sender of the message I_REQ specifies the type of stream that he requests: DV, MPEG2, etc.
  • the field STR_ID indicates the identifier of the stream just before the stream to be propagated on the home network backbone in the list of the available streams of the type defined by the field DVT managed by the receiver I_REQ.
  • the field STR_ID may be set at the predetermined value of a non-valid stream identifier. In this case, the receiver of the message I_REQ must process the configuration of the connection for the first source of the type defined by the field DVT in its list of the available sources on its local bus.
  • the field STR_ID indicates the identifier of the stream just after the stream to be propagated on the home network backbone in the list of available streams of the type defined by the field DVT managed by the receiver I_REQ.
  • the field STR_ID can also be set at the predetermined value of a non-valid stream identifier. In this case, the receiver of the message I_REQ must process the configuration of the connection for the last source of the type defined by the field DVT in its list of sources available on its local bus.
  • Figure 6 represents the algorithm for the release of a stream connection according to the invention, executed by a multimedia interface device (source node) to which a source terminal is connected.
  • the multimedia interface device 103b receives a message I_REL at the step 702.
  • the multimedia interface device 103b analyses the message I_REL received to ascertain that it contains a valid stream identifier (step 703). If this is not the case, it sends a message I_ACK to the multimedia interface device 103d indicating the presence of an inconsistency in the message I_REL (step 705). If not, it carries out an analysis on the question of whether the stream identifier contained in the field STR_ID of the message I_REL refers to a stream of its local bus (step 704) and, if this stream is already forwarded to the multimedia interface device 103d, it stops the transmission of the stream to the multimedia interface device 103d (steps 707 and 708).
  • step 709 It then sends a message I_ACK to the multimedia interface device 103d (step 709), indicating the successful execution of the procedure for releasing a stream connection. If the analysis of the stream identifier reveals an inconsistency, the receiver of the message I_REL send back a message I_ACK to the sender indicating this inconsistency (step 706).
  • Figures 7a and 7b represent pairs of stream control tables managed by the multimedia interface devices of the home network.
  • Figure 7a shows a first pair of stream control tables 801, 802 managed by a multimedia interface device (a destination node forming an intermediary device) to which a destination terminal is connected. It can be applied to the stream crossing the multimedia interface device from the interface of the home network backbone (or backbone network) to the AV interface of the room (CODEC or IEEE1394 serial bus, as described here above with reference to figure 2 ).
  • a multimedia interface device a destination node forming an intermediary device
  • Figure 7b shows a second pair of stream control tables 801, 802 managed by a multimedia interface device (a destination node) to which a destination terminal is connected. It can be applied to the stream crossing the multimedia interface device from the interface of the home network backbone (or backbone network) to the AV interface of the room (CODEC or IEEE1394 serial bus, as described here above with reference to figure 2 )
  • a same multimedia interface device may include these two pairs of control tables since, for certain streams, it can behave like a source node (to which a source terminal is connected) and, for other streams, it can behave like a destination node (to which a destination terminal is connected).
  • Each row of a stream control table corresponds to a transmission or reception queue, as described here above with reference to figure 2 .
  • FIGS 7a and 7b several stream control table lines are shown, each line being associated with a stream transmission or reception queue.
  • the multimedia interface device may contain only a limited number of reception queues (and also transmission queues) to limit the internal memory required from the multimedia interface device.
  • Each line of the first pair of stream control tables 801, 802 sets up a correspondence between a stream descriptor on the "backbone reception" side 803, contained in the left-hand table 801, and a stream descriptor on the "serial bus transmission/CODEC" side 804, contained in the right-hand table 802.
  • the "backbone reception” side stream descriptor 803 contains the transmission channel (VC) and the source identifier of the backbone (source node) as indicated in the header of the packet 600 defined in figures 5a, 5b and 5c .
  • the "serial bus transmission/CODEC" side stream descriptor 804 contains the speed (100, 200 or 400 Mbps as defined by the IEEE1394 standard ) at which the stream is transferred on the local bus of the multimedia interface device, as well as the isochronous channel to be used. It may also contain a field ST used to indicate the fact that the transfer of the stream from the backbone to the local serial bus must begin.
  • Each line of the second pair of stream control tables 805, 806 sets up a correspondence between a "serial bus reception/CODEC" stream descriptor 808, contained in the right-hand table 806, and a "backbone transmission" side stream descriptor 807, contained in the left-hand table 805.
  • the description of the second pair of stream control tables 805, 806 is practically identical to that of the first pair of stream control tables 801, 802.
  • stream descriptor on the "serial bus reception/CODEC" side 808 indicates only the isochronous channel to be used as well as, possibly, a field ST used to indicate that the transfer of the stream from the local serial bus to the backbone must begin.
  • the "the backbone transmission" side stream descriptor 807 contains an identifier of the channel (VC) used to transfer the stream to the backbone, an identifier of the transmission multimedia interface device (source node) (this identifier may be contained in the distinct register common to all the transmissions), a scheduling parameter and a routing parameter to reach the multimedia interface device that is a receiver of the stream on the backbone (destination node).
  • Figure 8 consists of the figures 8a , 8b , 8c and 8d . It represents the stream connection management algorithm according to the invention, executed by a multimedia interface device (destination node forming the intermediary device) to which a destination terminal is connected.
  • a multimedia interface device destination node forming the intermediary device
  • the destination terminal is, for example, the analog television set referenced 107d, which is connected to the multimedia interface device referenced 103d.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the remote controller 400 ( figure 3a ), enabling the user to zap from one data stream to another, has only two keys 402 and 404 (LEFT and RIGHT). However, the principle remains identical in the case illustrated in figure 3a where the remote controller has two additional keys 406 and 407 (DOWN and UP).
  • the algorithm starts in an "OFF" state (step 901) where the reception of the multimedia interface device which must receive the stream from the backbone is deactivated. This does not mean that the multimedia interface device is powered off, but only that the stream reception means are not activated. This enables the multimedia interface device to receive asynchronous data packets coming from the backbone for the management of the home network and also to manage connections involving AV sources located on its local serial bus.
  • the user activates the multimedia interface device.
  • the multimedia interface device then takes the information that it has recorded, for example, in the flash memory 305 (step 903).
  • This information contains all the parameters needed to set up a connection with the AV source that the user was looking at when he "deactivated" the multimedia interface device.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d builds a message I_REQ sent to the appropriate multimedia interface device, for example the one referenced 103b in figure 1 , to set up a stream connection corresponding to the parameters taken in the memory at the step 903.
  • the multimedia interface device then waits for the message I_ACK (steps 905 and 906).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d may build another message I_REQ designed for the same multimedia interface device 103b, with a non-valid stream identifier value in the field STR_ID and the field DIR indicating "+ " or "- ". This means that it asks the multimedia interface device 103b to set up a stream connection with the former and latter source respectively, in the list of available sources managed by the multimedia interface device 103b.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d updates the stream control tables 801 and 802 ( figure 7a ) so that the stream received from the backbone crosses the multimedia interface device (forming the bridge) 103d to the appropriate screen (destination terminal).
  • the field DVT of the message I_ACK indicates which decoder must be used by the multimedia interface device 103d to interpret the AV data stream.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d asks the multimedia interface device 103b to set up a stream connection with the next source available on the local bus. It thus uses the already established connection requested at the step 904 as a reference in the field STR_ID and it sets the field DIR at "+ "in the message I_REQ. Since the stream control table 802 (on the "serial bus transmission/CODEC" side) is not updated to transfer the requested stream at the step 909, the segmentation and re-assembly module 303 ( figure 2 ), which is responsible for the interfacing of the Y-link module 204 and the transmission/reception queues 302 and 302, rejects all the packets constituting the stream requested at the step 909. This preserves the reception queues 302 for any use by other applications. This characteristic is particularly useful and beneficial for multimedia interface devices having a very limited number of reception queues 302 (one or two of them).
  • the multimedia interface device then waits for the message I_ACK (steps 910 and 911).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d without any programming of the stream control table 802 (on the "serial bus transmission/CODEC" side) to transfer the stream to its local bus, makes a request at the step 913 for setting up a stream connection with the preceding source available at its local bus. It thus uses the connection already set up which had been requested at the step 904 as a reference in the field STR_ID and it sets the field DIR on "-" in the message I_REQ.
  • the multimedia interface device then waits for the message I_ACK (steps 914 and 915).
  • the message I_ACK corresponding to the message I_REQ sent during the step 909 or 913 is filled with the value ACK_NO_STREAM in the field ACK__VAL (with a negative response at the step 912 or 916).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d thus knows that there is no longer any stream before or after (as a function of the field DIR of the message I_REQ) the stream identified by the value in the field STR_ID on the local bus of the multimedia interface device 103b.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d can then build another message I_REQ (with a return to the step 909 or 913) intended for another multimedia interface device 103b, with a non-valid stream identifier value in the field STR_ID and the field DIR indicating "+ or "- ".
  • the multimedia interface device 103d can build a message I_REQ designed for another multimedia interface device 103b.
  • the second criterion may be the absence of resources (value ACK_NO_RESOURCE in the message I_ACK) which may necessitate a change of bus even if streams are still available on the first bus.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d intends to obtain the next available stream (field DIR of I_REQ set at "+"), it requests a stream connection to the multimedia interface device 103c which is the multimedia interface device managing the next serial bus available on the home network. It thus sends the message I_REQ to the multimedia interface device 103c with a non-valid stream identifier as the value of the field STR_ID and with "+ "set in the field DIR. This message requests the multimedia interface device 103c to set up a connection with the first source present in its list of sources available on its local bus.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d If the multimedia interface device 103d intends to obtain the available preceding stream (field DIR of I_REQ set at "- "), then it asks for a stream connection to the multimedia interface device 103a of the home network which is the multimedia interface device managing the preceding serial bus available on the home network. It thus sends a message I_REQ to the multimedia interface device 103a with a non-valid stream identifier as the field value STR_ID and with "- " set in the field DIR. This message asks the multimedia interface device 103a to set up a connection with the last source present in its list of sources available at its local bus.
  • buttons one button to select the preceding stream, one button to select the next stream, one button to select the first stream available on the next serial bus (namely one room, since there is preferably one serial bus per room) and one button to select the last stream available on the preceding serial bus.
  • the method passes to the step 917 corresponding to a state of "waiting for validation" (WAIT_VALID).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d is in a configuration here where three stream connections (one full stream connection and two partial stream connections) have been set up with other terminals of the home network to which AV sources are connected. Only one AV stream effectively crosses the multimedia interface device (full connection), the other two being rejected by the SAR 303 (partial connections).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d is in a configuration in which up to five stream connections (one full connection and four partial connections) have been set up with other terminals of the home network to which AV sources have been connected.
  • a single AV stream effectively crosses the multimedia interface device (for a connection), the other four streams being rejected by the SAR 303 (partial connections). Fewer than five stream connections are sometimes set up, because there are configurations in which DOWN and LEFT target the same stream. The analogy may be made with the keys UP and RIGHT.
  • One variant consists in displaying the current stream (resulting from the transmission of the message I_REQ at the step 904) only when the partial stream connections are set up on the backbone, namely between the step 916 and the step 917.
  • it consists in displaying a new current stream, resulting from a selection by the user from amongst the next and preceding streams, only when the new connections of partial streams (which are a function of the new current stream) are set up on the backbone (for example between the step 939 and the step 917).
  • the algorithm waits for the user's actions: the key LEFT 402, the key RIGHT 404 and the key SEL 405 of the remote controller can be used (in addition to the buttons of the multimedia interface device and the UP/DOWN buttons in the variant using four direction buttons).
  • a time delay system may also be added in passing to the step 917.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d may interpret the expiry of this time lag as if the user had pressed the key SEL 405 (VALID at the step 920). This makes it possible to eliminate the key SEL 405 of the remote control and above all to eliminate a button of the multimedia interface device (as illustrated in figure 3b ).
  • the multimedia interface device actualizes the stream control table 801 (on the "the backbone reception" side) to stop the transfer of the current stream (the previously displayed stream) and start the transfer of the preceding stream (entailing a passage for this stream from a partial connection to a full connection), namely from the stream generated by the source preceding the one which was displayed in the list of available sources of the multimedia interface device 103b (or by the last source in the list of available sources of the multimedia interface device 103a).
  • the previously displayed stream becomes the stream of the next source relative to with the source being displayed (step 925).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d only has to ask for a (partial) stream connection for the preceding available source relative to the stream being displayed (step 931) and then abort the (partial) connection concerning the next source for the previously displayed stream (step 928).
  • the order of these two actions may be inverted.
  • the multimedia interface device then waits for the message I_ACK (steps 933 and 936). If the message I_ACK indicates that the setting up of the stream connection has failed (with a negative response at the step 939), the multimedia interface device 103d may build another message I_REQ intended for the same multimedia interface device 103b or another multimedia interface device 103a. If the message I_ACK relative to the message I_REQ sent at the step 931 indicates that the stream connection is set up (with an affirmative response at the step 939), there is a return to the step 917.
  • the multimedia interface device updates the stream control table 801 (on the "backbone reception" side) to stop the transfer of the current stream (previously viewed stream) and start the transfer of the next stream (entailing the passage for this next stream from a partial connection to a full connection), namely that of the stream generated by the source following the one which was displayed in the list of the available sources of the multimedia interface device 103b (or by the first source on the list of the available sources of the multimedia interface device 103c).
  • the previously displayed stream becomes the stream of the preceding source relative to the source being displayed (step 924).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d only has to ask for a (partial) stream connection for the next available source relative to the stream being displayed (step 930) and then abort the (partial) connection concerning the preceding source for the previously displayed stream (step 927.
  • the order of these two actions may be inverted.
  • the multimedia interface device then waits for the message I_ACK (steps 932 and 935). If the message I_ACK indicates that the setting up of the stream connection has failed (with a negative response at the step 938), the multimedia interface device 103d can build another message I_REQ intended for a same multimedia interface device 103b or another multimedia interface device 103c. If the message I_ACK relative to the message I_REQ sent at the step 930 indicates that the stream connection is set up (affirmative response at the step 938), there is a return to the step 917.
  • step 920 Once the user is satisfied with the contents that he has displayed, he can press the key SEL 405 (or simply be patient until the expiry of the time lag) to validate the stream that he views (step 920).
  • the partial stream connections can be released (steps 923 and 926) to preserve the internal means of the multimedia interface devices and the free resources on the home network backbone.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d sends a message C_REQ (a control request) (step 929) and waits for a message C_ACK (acknowledgement of reception of control request) (steps 934 and 937), enabling the opening of the control connection to the AV source terminal (steps 940 and 941).
  • C_REQ a control request
  • C_ACK acknowledgement of reception of control request
  • the algorithm then goes to the "idle” state (IDLE) (step 942).
  • the multimedia interface device 103d then asks for the setting up of a stream connection for the preceding available source (and the next available source respectively), at the steps 947, 951, 954, 956 and 958 (946, 950, 953, 955 and 957 respectively).
  • the source being viewed becomes the new next source (and preceding source respectively), and the first preceding source (and next source respectively) becomes the viewed source.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d requests the setting up of a stream connection with the new preceding source (and the next source respectively). The system then goes back to the "the wait for validation" state (WAIT_VALID) (step 917).
  • the information on the stream being displayed is recorded (step 948) in the flash memory 305 so that it can be extracted at the next activation of the multimedia interface device.
  • the stream connection viewed is also aborted to preserve the resources of the home network.
  • the user may ask at any time for the multimedia interface device to be deactivated.
  • the multimedia interface device 103d asks for the release of all the (full and partial) stream connections in which it is implicated and it also aborts all the stream connections for which it has sent a message I_REQ without having already received the corresponding message I_ACK (it may also wait for the I_ACK message to abort these connections).
  • Figure 9 shows the general algorithm of the method according to the invention for the selection of a stream from amongst a plurality of streams and for the setting up of a connection for the selected stream.
  • the multimedia interface device (destination node) to which a destination terminal is connected (for example a television set) determines the selectable stream that the user can access by using the browsing keys of the remote control or the buttons of the front face of the multimedia interface device.
  • the selectable streams depend directly on the stream being displayed.
  • the multimedia interface device sets up partial connections for these selectable streams. This means that the stream connection is set up from the source terminal to the multimedia interface device, which does not send the streams to the destination terminal at this stage.
  • step 1003 When the use of a browsing key is detected on the screen (step 1003), and the multimedia interface device extracts the desired stream from amongst the selectable streams (the next stream and the preceding stream for example).
  • step 1004 in deactivated the current stream connection (this connection thus becomes a partial connection, the stream data being rejected by the multimedia interface device) and then activates a connection of the stream newly selected by the user (step 1005).
  • the multimedia interface device can then reassess the selectable streams as a function of the newly selected stream (with the new current stream displayed on the television set) (step 1006), abort the unnecessary, partial stream connections (for preceding selectable stream is) (step 1007) and return to the step 1002 (with a request for setting up a partial connection for the new selectable streams).

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Claims (27)

  1. Verfahren zum Aufbauen einer Verbindung eines Datenstroms unter einer Vielzahl von durch eine Vielzahl von Quellendgeräten erzeugten Datenströmen, wobei die Quellendgeräte und ein Zielendgerät mit einem Kommunikationsnetzwerk verbunden sind, mit den Schritten:
    (a) eine Vollverbindung wird für einen momentanen Strom zwischen einem der Quellendgeräte, das ein momentanes Quellendgerät ist, und dem Zielendgerät durch eine Zwischenvorrichtung aufgebaut,
    (b) eine Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen wird als eine Funktion des momentanen Stroms bestimmt (1001), wobei diese Untermenge zumindest einen Strom umfasst, wobei der zumindest eine Strom durch eine Einrichtung zum Senden von Auswahlbefehlen ausgewählt werden kann,
    (c) für jeden auswählbaren Strom wird eine partielle Verbindung des auswählbaren Stroms zwischen dem den auswählbaren Strom erzeugenden Quellendgerät und dem Zielendgerät durch die Zwischenvorrichtung aufgebaut (1002), wobei die Verbindung dadurch partiell ist, dass die Zwischenvorrichtung den auswählbaren Strom nicht zu dem Zielendgerät durchlässt,
    (d) bei Auftreten eines vorbestimmten Ereignisses lässt die Zwischenvorrichtung einen der auswählbaren Ströme zu dem Zielendgerät durch (1005), so dass eine Vollverbindung des Stroms zwischen dem den Strom erzeugenden Quellendgerät und dem Zielendgerät aufgebaut wird.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das vorbestimmte Ereignis der Empfang (1003), durch die Zwischenvorrichtung, eines Befehls zum Auswählen eines auswählbaren Stroms ist.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei bei dem Empfang eines Befehls zum Auswählen eines Datenstroms, der als ausgewählter Strom bezeichnet wird:
    - der ausgewählte Strom der neue momentane Strom wird,
    - die Schritte (b) und (c) mit dem neuen momentanen Strom (1006, 1002) im Hinblick auf einen neuen Durchlauf des Schritts (d) wieder durchlaufen werden.
  4. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen umfasst:
    - zumindest einen vorangehenden Strom, der dem momentanen Strom gemäß einer bestimmten Stromklassifizierung vorangeht,
    - zumindest einen nächsten Strom, der dem momentanen Strom gemäß der bestimmten Stromklassifizierung nachfolgt.
  5. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das Netzwerk Knoten umfasst, die ein Basisnetzwerk (100, 101a bis 101d) bilden, mit dem Folgende verbunden sind:
    - ein oder mehrere Unternetzwerke, mit dem oder denen die Quellendgeräte verbunden sind, wobei jedes mit dem Basisnetzwerk durch einen Quellknoten verbunden ist,
    - ein Unternetzwerk, mit dem das Zielendgerät verbunden ist, wobei dieses Unternetzwerk mit dem Basisnetzwerk durch einen Zielknoten verbunden ist, und wobei die Zwischenvorrichtung einer der Knoten (103a bis 103d) ist.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Zwischenvorrichtung der Zielknoten ist.
  7. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei der vorangehende Strom von einem Quellendgerät erzeugt wird, das mit dem gleichen Unternetzwerk wie das momentane Quellendgerät verbunden ist, und wobei der vorangehende Strom dem momentanen Strom gemäß einer für das Unternetzwerk geeigneten, bestimmten Stromklassifizierung vorangeht.
  8. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei der vorangehende Strom von einem Quellendgerät erzeugt wird, das mit einem vorangehenden Unternetzwerk verbunden ist, das dem Unternetzwerk, mit welchem das momentane Quellendgerät verbunden ist, gemäß einer bestimmten Klassifikation von Unternetzwerken vorangeht, und wobei der vorangehende Strom gemäß einer für das vorangehende Unternetzwerk geeigneten, bestimmten Stromklassifizierung der letzte Strom ist.
  9. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei der nächste Strom von einem Quellendgerät erzeugt wird, das mit dem gleichen Unternetzwerk wie das momentane Quellendgerät verbunden ist, und wobei der nächste Strom dem momentanen Strom gemäß einer für das Unternetzwerk geeigneten, bestimmten Stromklassifizierung nachfolgt.
  10. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei der nächste Strom von einem Quellendgerät erzeugt wird, das mit einem nächsten Unternetzwerk verbunden ist, das dem Unternetzwerk nachfolgt, mit dem das momentane Quellendgerät gemäß einer bestimmten Klassifizierung von Unternetzwerken verbunden ist, und wobei der nächste Strom gemäß einer für das nächste Unternetzwerk geeigneten, bestimmten Stromklassifizierung der erste Strom ist.
  11. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 10, weiterhin mit einem Schritt zum Validieren des ausgewählten Stroms, nachdem die Vollverbindung des ausgewählten Stroms erstellt wurde.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei der Schritt zum Validieren des ausgewählten Stroms durch ein Ereignis aktiviert wird, das zu der Gruppe gehört, die umfasst:
    - Empfang, durch die Zwischenvorrichtung, eines für den ausgewählten Strom spezifischen Validierungsbefehls, dessen Senden aus einer Verwendung der Befehlsübertragungseinrichtung resultiert,
    - Auslaufen einer Zeitverzögerung, die zuvor durch einen Empfang eines für einen einzelnen Strom spezifischen Auswahlbefehls aktiviert wird.
  13. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, weiterhin mit einem Schritt (1007) zum Freigeben von zumindest einer partiellen Verbindung, der durchgeführt wird:
    - nach irgendeinem Durchlauf des Schritts (b) zum Bestimmen einer Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen, und/oder
    - nach irgendeinem Durchlauf eines Schritts zum Validieren einer Auswahl eines einzelnen Stroms, und/oder
    - nach einem Schritt zum Deaktivieren der Zwischenvorrichtung.
  14. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 13, wobei für jeden auswählbaren Strom das Aufbauen einer partiellen Verbindung des auswählbaren Stroms die nachfolgenden Schritte umfasst:
    i. die Zwischenvorrichtung sendet eine Stromverbindungsanforderung zu einem ersten bestimmten Quellknoten, wobei die Anforderung zumindest ein Kriterium zum Bestimmen des auswählbaren Stroms definiert,
    ii. falls der erste Knoten bezüglich seines Unternetzwerks bestimmt, dass ein Quellendgerät zur Verfügung steht, das einen Strom erzeugt, der das zumindest eine in der Anforderung definierte Kriterium erfüllt, sendet der erste Quellknoten eine positive Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung, und eine partielle Verbindung wird aufgebaut,
    iii. falls dem nicht so ist, sendet der erste Quellknoten eine negative Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht, und die Schritte (i) bis (iii) werden mit dem ersten Quellknoten, wobei aber das zumindest eine Wahlkriterium modifiziert wird, oder mit einem zweiten Quellknoten wieder durchlaufen.
  15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Anforderung zumindest die folgenden zwei Wahlkriterien definiert:
    - eine Stromkennung (STR_ID),
    - einen Informationsteil (DIR) bezüglich einer Stromsuchrichtung in einer Stromklassifizierung, die für das Unternetzwerk geeignet ist, das mit dem Basisnetz durch den die Anforderung empfangenden Quellknoten verbunden ist.
  16. Verfahren gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 15, wobei für jede partielle Verbindung eines auswählbaren Stroms die Freigabe der partiellen Verbindung die nachfolgenden Schritte umfasst:
    (1) die Zwischenvorrichtung sendet eine eine Stromfreigabe anfordernde Nachricht zu dem Quellknoten, dessen zugehöriges Unternetzwerk mit dem Quellendgerät verbunden ist, das den freizugebenden Strom erzeugt, wobei die Freigabeanforderungsnachricht zumindest ein Wahlkriterium des freizugebenden Stroms definiert,
    (2) falls der Quellknoten bestimmt, dass bei seinem Unternetzwerk ein Quellendgerät zur Verfügung steht, das einen Strom erzeugt, der zumindest ein in der Freigabeanforderungsnachricht definiertes Wahlkriterium erfüllt, sendet der Quellknoten eine positive Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung, und die partielle Verbindung wird freigegeben,
    (3) falls dem nicht so ist, sendet der Quellknoten eine negative Bestätigungsnachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung, und die Schritte (1) bis (3) werden mit dem gleichen Quellknoten, wobei aber das zumindest eine Wahlkriterium des freizugebenden Stroms modifiziert wird, oder mit einem zweiten Quellknoten wieder durchlaufen.
  17. Computerprogramm mit Programmcodeanweisungen für die Ausführung der Schritte des Verfahrens gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 16, wenn das Programm auf einem Computer ausgeführt wird.
  18. Zwischenvorrichtung, die bei der Implementierung eines Verfahrens zum Aufbauen einer Verbindung eines Datenstroms unter einer Vielzahl von durch eine Vielzahl von Quellendgeräten erzeugten Datenströmen verwendet wird, wobei die Quellendgeräte und ein Zielendgerät mit einem Kommunikationsnetzwerk verbunden sind, wobei eine Vollverbindung eines momentanen Stroms zwischen einem der Quellendgeräte, das ein momentanes Quellendgerät ist, und dem Zielendgerät durch die Zwischenvorrichtung aufgebaut wird, mit:
    - einer Einrichtung zum Erhalten einer Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen als eine Funktion des momentanen Stroms, wobei diese Untermenge zumindest einen Strom umfasst, der durch eine Einrichtung zur Übertragung von Auswahlbefehlen ausgewählt werden kann,
    - einer Einrichtung zum Aufbauen, für jeden auswählbaren Strom, einer partiellen Verbindung des auswählbaren Stroms zwischen dem den auswählbaren Strom erzeugenden Quellendgerät und dem Zielendgerät, wobei die Verbindung dadurch partiell ist, dass die Aufbaueinrichtung den auswählbaren Strom nicht zu dem Zielendgerät durchlässt,
    - einer Einrichtung zum Erfassen eines Auftretens eines vorbestimmten Ereignisses, und wobei, wenn sie ein Auftreten des vorbestimmten Ereignisses erfasst, die Erfassungseinrichtung die Aufbaueinrichtung deaktiviert, um einen der auswählbaren Ströme zu dem Zielendgerät durchzulassen, so dass eine Vollverbindung des Stroms zwischen dem den Strom erzeugenden Quellendgerät und dem Zielendgerät aufgebaut wird.
  19. Zwischenvorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, wobei das vorbestimmte Ereignis der Empfang, durch die Zwischenvorrichtung, eines Befehls zum Auswählen eines auswählbaren Stroms ist.
  20. Zwischenvorrichtung nach Anspruch 19, wobei, wenn die Erfassungseinrichtung den Befehl zum Auswählen eines Stroms empfängt, der als ausgewählter Strom bezeichnet wird:
    • der ausgewählte Strom der neue momentane Strom wird,
    • die Erfassungseinrichtung wieder die Einrichtung zum Erhalten einer Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen und die Aufbaueinrichtung für jeden auswählbaren Strom im Hinblick auf einen neuen Empfang, durch die Empfangseinrichtung, des Befehls zum Auswählen eines Stroms aktiviert.
  21. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 20, wobei die Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen umfasst:
    - zumindest einen vorangehenden Strom, der dem momentanen Strom gemäß einer bestimmten Stromklassifizierung vorangeht,
    - zumindest einen nächsten Strom, der dem momentanen Strom gemäß der bestimmten Stromklassifizierung nachfolgt.
  22. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 21, wobei das Netzwerk Knoten umfasst, die ein Basisnetzwerk bilden, mit dem Folgende verbunden sind:
    - jedes durch einen Quellknoten, ein oder mehrere Unternetzwerke, mit dem oder denen die Quellendgeräte verbunden sind,
    - durch einen Zielknoten, ein Unternetzwerk, mit dem das Zielendgerät verbunden ist
    und wobei die Zwischenvorrichtung einer der Knoten ist.
  23. Zwischenvorrichtung nach Anspruch 22, wobei die Zwischenvorrichtung der Zielknoten ist.
  24. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 23, weiterhin mit einer Einrichtung zum Validieren des ausgewählten Stroms nach einem Aufbauen der Vollverbindung des ausgewählten Stroms.
  25. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 24, weiterhin mit einer Einrichtung zum Freigeben von zumindest einer partiellen Verbindung, die aktiviert wird:
    - nach irgendeiner Aktivierung der Einrichtung zum Bestimmen einer Untermenge von auswählbaren Strömen, und/oder
    - nach irgendeiner Aktivierung der Einrichtung zum Validieren der Auswahl eines einzelnen Stroms, und/oder
    - nach einer Deaktivierung der Zwischenvorrichtung.
  26. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 22 bis 25, wobei für jeden auswählbaren Strom die Einrichtung zum Aufbauen einer partiellen Verbindung des auswählbaren Stroms umfasst:
    - eine Einrichtung zum Senden einer Stromverbindungsanforderung zu einem ersten bestimmten Quellknoten, wobei die Anforderung zumindest ein Kriterium zum Bestimmen des auswählbaren Stroms definiert,
    - eine Einrichtung zum Empfangen einer Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht derart, dass:
    - falls der erste Quellknoten bezüglich seines Unternetzwerks bestimmt, dass ein Quellendgerät zur Verfügung steht, das einen Strom erzeugt, der zumindest ein in der Anforderung definiertes Kriterium erfüllt, der erste Quellknoten eine positive Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung sendet, die die Einrichtung zum Aufbauen einer partiellen Verbindung aktiviert,
    - falls dem nicht so ist, der erste Quellknoten eine negative Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht sendet und die Zwischenvorrichtung wieder die Einrichtung zum Senden einer Stromverbindungsanforderung und die Einrichtung zum Empfang einer Zurkenntnisnahme entweder mit dem ersten Knoten, wobei aber das zumindest eine Wahlkriterium modifiziert wird, oder mit einem zweiten Quellknoten aktiviert.
  27. Zwischenvorrichtung gemäß zumindest einem der Ansprüche 25 bis 26, wobei die Einrichtung zum Freigeben der partiellen Verbindung umfasst:
    - eine Einrichtung zum Senden einer Stromfreigabeanforderung zu dem Quellknoten, dessen zugehöriges Unternetzwerk mit dem Quellendgerät verbunden ist, das den freizugebenden Strom erzeugt, wobei die Freigabeanforderungsnachricht zumindest ein Wahlkriterium des freizugebenden Stroms definiert,
    - eine Einrichtung zum Empfangen einer Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht derart, dass:
    • falls der Quellknoten bestimmt, dass bezüglich seines Unternetzwerks ein Quellendgerät zur Verfügung steht, das einen Strom erzeugt, der das zumindest eine in der Freigabeanforderungsnachricht definierte Wahlkriterium erfüllt, der Quellknoten eine positive Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung sendet, die die Einrichtung zur Freigabe einer partiellen Verbindung aktiviert,
    • falls dem nicht so ist, der Quellknoten eine negative Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht zu der Zwischenvorrichtung sendet und die Zwischenvorrichtung wieder die Einrichtung zum Senden einer Stromfreigabeanforderung und die Einrichtung zum Empfangen einer Zurkenntnisnahmenachricht entweder mit dem gleichen Quellknoten, wobei aber das zumindest eine Wahlkriterium modifiziert wird, oder mit einem zweiten Quellknoten aktiviert.
EP04364050A 2003-07-15 2004-07-15 Auswahl und Aufbau einer Datenstromverbindung durch ein Zwischengerät Expired - Lifetime EP1499080B1 (de)

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FR0308630A FR2857809A1 (fr) 2003-07-15 2003-07-15 Procede de selection et d'etablissement d'une connexion de flux de donnees via un equipement intermediaire, programme d'ordinateur et equipement intermediaire correspondants.
FR0308630 2003-07-15

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FR2918832A1 (fr) * 2007-07-11 2009-01-16 Canon Kk Procedes de transmission de donnees par des noeuds relais dans un reseau de communication synchrone, procede de reception, produit programme d'ordinateur, moyen de stockage et noeuds correspondants.
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